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Myth of the Living Fossil: Perspectives on the Deep History of Crocodylia

Start Date:

12/15/2012

Start Time:

6:00 PM

End Date:

12/15/2012

End Time:

10:00 PM

Event Description:Crocodylians - alligators, crocodiles, gharials, and their closest extinct relatives - are often perceived as "living fossils" unchanged since the Days of the Dinosaurs. In fact, Crocodylia first appeared toward the end of this Age, and its subsequent history reveals unexpected complexity. Crocodylian diversity waxed and waned as climate changed, and several groups evolved adaptations very different from those seen today. They crossed large ocean barriers multiple times, and they were the largest predators faced by our African ancestors. Construction of a comprehensive history for the group will allow us to explore the interrelationships of evolution, climate, and environment on a global scale.